This course explores the business and human resource issues involved in working with and operating a non-profit and/or volunteer organization. The course examines the relationship of the non-profit sector to board governance, strategic planning, financial management, human resources management, fundraising, marketing and public relations. Particular emphasis is placed on management and evaluation of the non-profit/volunteer organization.
Credits: 3
Hours: 45 (Lecture Hours: 3)
Total Weeks: 15
Prerequisites:
None
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-Requisites:
None
Course Content:
- Non-Profits: The Purveyors of Common Decency
- Board Governance: The First Steps in Non-Profit Management
- Strategic Management for Non-Profits: Management for the Better
- Financial Management in the Non-Profit Sector
- Strategic Management of Human Resources: People are the Best Resource
- Fundraising and Resource Development
- Marketing and Public Relations: Putting Your Best Foot Forward
- Program Evaluation for the Non-Profit Sector: Measuring Up to the Challenge.
- Leading and Managing in the Non-Profit Sector
- Volunteer Management: Treating Your Volunteers as a Valuable Resource
Learning Outcomes:
- Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- Identify the size and scope of the non-profit sector in Canada
- Explain the role that non=profits play in supporting Canadians in their daily life
- Identify where the non-profit agency you are affiliated with fits in the Canadian non-profit landscape
- Recognize the relevant sets of laws governing non-profits in Canada
- Identify the common structures pertaining to board governance
- List the roles and responsibilities of officers of the Board
- Distinguish between the roles and responsibilities of staff of the non-profit organization versus Board Members
- Identify issues pertinent to non-profits including liability, conflict of interest, reporting responsibilities and conflict management
- Discuss the importance of strategic planning
- Explain how an environmental scan can position the non-profit organization for success
- Outline the steps in a strategic planning process
- Justify best practices for getting the plan implemented
- Describe a financial statement and explain its purpose
- Outline the need for due diligence by Directors
- Discuss the basics of liability insurance for Directors
- Identify the need for accountability from the perspective of funders
- Identify ethical issues in financial management
- Assess the importance of human resources planning
- List the key elements of a job description
- Outline employee performance management guidelines
- Describe employment standards and laws for governing the employer-employee relationship
- List types of fundraising
- Describe the importance of planning of long and short term fundraising approaches
- Identify current issues in Canada for fundraisers
- List ethical and legal issues in fundraising
- Identify the components of a communication plan
- Label the components of a successful media strategy
- Recognize the range of communications tools available and how to match them with communication objectives and target audience
- Identify the key components of program evaluation
- Identify evaluation practices and perspectives in Canada's non-profit sector
- List barriers and challenges to successful program evaluation
- Describe the unique challenges of leading in the non-profit sector
- Discuss leadership qualities and why they are important
- Identify leadership attributes of self and how to expand those qualities of leadership
- Illustrate the impact of building leadership opportunities throughout the organization
- Demonstrate appreciation and recognition of volunteers
- Identify, through the use of job descriptions, the appropriate roles for volunteers
- Discuss recruitment techniques
- Explain the importance of supervising volunteer and dealing with difficult issues
Attitudes:
- Ability to positively respond to critiques and suggestions meant to develop growth.
Skills:
- Think critically
- Think creatively
- Communicate clearly – orally and in writing
- Listen actively
- Analyze situations
- Use assessment tools
- Synthesize information
- Identify barriers to communication
- Choose and apply appropriate strategies
- Work on a team
- Access community resources
- Make ethical decisions
Technologies:
- Computer and appropriate programs
Grading System: Letters
Passing Grade: C (60%)
Percentage of Individual Work: 90
Percentage of Group Work: 10
Additional Comments:
- Students must complete all assignments and must participate in online discussions weekly in order to pass.
- Late assignment submissions without prior approval from instructor will incur a 10% deduction.
- Any assignment received over three weeks past the due date without prior arrangements made with the instructor, will be marked at 50%.
- Students must have regular access to a computer and the Internet; basic computer skills including preparing, saving & retrieving word processing documents; finding and printing information from the Internet, and how to send and receive emails with attachments are needed in order to complete this course.
Textbooks:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.